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Wheat Ridge joins Jefferson County regional cold-weather response; agrees to share costs
Summary
Wheat Ridge joined six neighboring cities and Jefferson County in an intergovernmental agreement to fund regional cold-weather sheltering for people experiencing homelessness; the city's share is about $102,950, payable in two installments already budgeted.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge City Council on Monday approved an intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County and six other cities to fund a coordinated regional cold-weather response for people experiencing homelessness during the 2025–26 cold-weather season.
Resolution 47-2025 formalizes Wheat Ridge’s participation with Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood and Westminster and the county in a pooled approach that will fund shelter operations, motel vouchers, staffing and outreach. Jefferson County will act as fiscal agent for the program.
City staff briefed council that last year’s cold-weather response costs across the county exceeded $2 million; the city’s pro-rata share in the draft IGA is $102,950. Under the schedule in the IGA, Wheat Ridge’s required first payment is due Nov. 1 (about $25,000) and a second payment in January (about $77,000). Staff said both payments are included in the city’s adopted budget and no supplemental appropriation is required.
Patrick Goff and other staff said existing sheltering options used by the regional response include the Lakewood Navigation Center, the Jefferson County family shelter in Lakewood, periodic use of Westminster facilities during very cold weather, and motel voucher programs; Arvada and partners are also exploring nonprofit-operated options. The IGA includes a true-up process at season’s end to reconcile expenses and determine reimbursements or rollovers if underspent.
Council members praised the regional approach and asked questions about governance and potential carryover if the season is mild. Staff said the IGA is renewable and that the parties will evaluate outcomes at season’s end. After public hearing with no speakers, Councilor Jenny Snell moved approval; Councilor Dozeman seconded. The measure passed 8–0.
Jefferson County will coordinate outreach, transportation support and reporting; participating cities will share responsibility for some outreach and costs. Council members said they view the effort as essential given a marked increase in homelessness in Jefferson County since 2020.
